Linger for 8 wonderful days in Italy exploring the cultural, artistic and culinary gems of Rome and Florence. Delight to best-loved arias and Italian favorites at a Roman "Dinner with the Tenors." Discover the vast collection of masterpieces housed at the Uffizi Museum in Florence. Visit Assisi, home of St. Francis. Wander Rome's markets and boutiques and discover the handcrafted treasures of Florence. Toast your daily discoveries with included regional wines at every meal

Day 2: Arrive Rome - Tour Begins
Your tour begins in Rome, "the Eternal City," where the remainder of your day is at leisure. Take a stroll outside your hotel to experience some of the Rome's vibrant holiday cheer, or window shop in its many famous boutiques. This evening, meet your fellow travelers for "Dinner with the Tenors." Enjoy a menu of regional delicacies and fine Italian wines during a delightful live performance of opera classics.

Day 3: Rome
Enjoy a tour of Classical Rome visiting the Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus, the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Contemporary highlights are also featured, including the legendary Spanish Steps and the beautiful Trevi Fountain. This afternoon you are free to explore Rome on your own and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.

Day 4: Rome
Enjoy a full day at leisure to pursue your own pleasures in Rome. Perhaps you will take an optional excursion devoted to the splendors of Vatican City and the Vatican Museums. Or perhaps you would like to shop on your own. Rome is a holiday shopper's mecca; from bustling outdoor markets and craftsman's workshops to designer fashions, you will find something to suit everyone on your shopping list!

Day 5: Rome - Assisi - Florence
LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. Depart Rome this morning for the medieval walled city of Assisi. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic old city featuring the magnificent Basilica. Ponder the spiritual meaning of the holidays in this church dedicated to St. Francis, founder of the Franciscan order of monks. Continue on to the spectacular capital of Tuscany, Florence.

Day 6: Florence
Begin the day learning the traditional Italian techniques of leather-making during a visit to the family-owned Pierotucci Leather Shop. A cultural treasure-trove, Florence is filled with artistic and architectural gems. A local expert provides a leisurely-paced walking tour featuring the Piazza Del Duomo, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Baptistry. You also view the Palazzo Vecchio and the Church of Santa Croce, burial place of Michelangelo and Galileo. You have the afternoon to revel in the enchanting holiday spirit of Florence; shop for traditional Florentine crafts such as goldware, leatherware and porcelain; or stroll among the decorated piazzas, sweet with the smell of roasted chestnuts and candied almonds.

Day 7: Florence
Discover the evolution of Italian art at one of the finest art collections in the world, the stunning Uffizi Museum. A guided visit features work by Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Tintoretto. This afternoon you may continue independently exploring the city’s cultural riches at one of Florence’s many museums, or get your last minute holiday shopping done among the city’s finest boutiques on Via dei Tournabuoni, where you will find Ferragamo, Gucci and Versace. This evening join your fellow travelers for a joyous farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Day 8: Florence - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in the city of Florence.

Rome, Dinner with the Tenors, Assisi, Basilica of St. Francis, Florence, Uffizi Museum

12/09